Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Originally Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🕰️
Add to dictionary

originally

[əˈrɪdʒɪnəli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in the beginning

At the start or at an earlier time; before other things happened or before things changed.

Synonyms

at first, initially, initially.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
originally

This is used when talking about the first situation or state before any changes. It's often used to give background information or tell where someone or something came from.

  • She was originally from France before moving to Canada
  • The house was originally built in the 19th century
initially

This term is used when referring to the beginning stage of a process or event, often in a more formal or technical context.

  • The project was initially funded by the government
  • Initially, the medicine showed promising results
at first

This phrase is used when describing the initial condition or reaction, often implying that something changed later.

  • At first, I found the course difficult, but later it became easier
  • At first, he didn’t like the new job, but now he enjoys it

Examples of usage

  • He originally trained as a lawyer before switching to a career in journalism.
  • She originally came from Italy before moving to the United States.
  • We had originally planned to go camping, but the weather forecast changed our minds.
Context #2 | Adjective

existing or functioning in its first form; unchanged

Existing or functioning in its first form; not changed or modified.

Synonyms

first, initial, primary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
originally

Use when discussing the origin or beginning of something, often to highlight changes or developments over time.

  • She originally wanted to be a doctor but ended up becoming a teacher.
  • The building was originally a warehouse before it was converted into apartments.
initial

Best used when referring to the very beginning phase or stage of something.

  • The initial results of the experiment were promising.
  • His initial reaction was one of surprise.
primary

Used to describe something that is of utmost importance or the main focus.

  • Her primary goal is to finish her degree this year.
  • Safety is the primary concern during the event.
first

Suitable for indicating the earliest point in time, position in a sequence, or order of actions.

  • She was the first person in her family to attend college.
  • First, wash your hands before starting to cook.

Examples of usage

  • The painting was originally created in the 17th century.
  • This building was originally a factory before it was converted into a museum.
  • The song was originally written in French and later translated into English.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Impact

  • In art and music, originality is often celebrated and deemed essential, influencing styles and movements.
  • Innovative thinkers like Leonardo da Vinci and Albert Einstein emphasized the importance of original ideas in their works.
  • Frida Kahlo's original paintings challenged societal norms and redefined gender roles in art.

Linguistics

  • In language, original words are those that haven't been borrowed or derived from another language.
  • An original piece of writing or artwork is valued for its uniqueness and authenticity, affecting how we perceive creativity.
  • The process of creating original content is fundamental in education, encouraging critical thinking and personal expression.

History

  • The concept of originality was less emphasized in the past; many ancient cultures valued imitation and tradition over new creations.
  • The Renaissance sparked a renewed interest in original works, leading to advancements in literature, art, and science.
  • The Industrial Revolution introduced new technology that often highlighted the importance of innovation and original design in products.

Psychology

  • Originality is linked to creativity, with studies showing that diverse and unique thinking can lead to greater problem-solving abilities.
  • Individuals who embrace originality in their thinking often have higher levels of self-esteem and innovative capabilities.
  • Psychological research reveals that environments encouraging original thoughts foster better mental health and well-being.

Origin of 'originally'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'originalis', meaning 'pertaining to the origin.'
  • In English, 'original' started appearing in the late 14th century, while the adverb 'originally' emerged in the 17th century.
  • The prefix 'ori-' is derived from 'orior', which means 'to rise' or 'to begin' in Latin.

The word 'originally' comes from the late Middle English word 'origynally', which is derived from the Old French word 'original'. The term 'originally' has been used to describe something that is present or existing from the beginning or the source of something. Over time, the word has retained its original meaning and is commonly used in both spoken and written English.

See also: origin, originality, originate, origination, originatively, originator, originators.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,165, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.